Tummy Tuck: Q&A

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Mini Tummy Tuck Vs Full Tummy Tuck?

Should I have a mini tummy tuck or full tummy tuck (abdominoplasty)? What are the differences on recovery time and surgery success? I've had 3 kids (4, 3, and 1) and I'm only 23. No allergy to any meds; No surgeries

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16 Doctor Answers | Asked by dr1986 in fort wayne, IN

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Mini Abdominoplasty vs. Full Abdominoplasty

First of all, you want to be completely clear on what the differences are between these procedures. With a full abdominoplasty, there will be a scar that extends across the lower abdomen, typically extending from hip to hip. There is also a scar around the belly button. With the mini abdominoplasty, the lower abdominal scar is shorter, and there is no scar at the belly button. Liposuction is often used with either of the procedures. Less scarring always... more

Mini vs. Full vs. Modified Tummy Tucks

You have several options availabe for improvement of your abdomen. The most appropriate choice will depend on what your desires are and how loose your skin is, which is best determined by a full consultation with examination. I see that you have some loose skin awith strecth marks that go all the way to your belly button. There is loss of definition in your waist. You belly button looks good with little flattening and overhanging skin. You are 23; any more children in the future? Is that a... more

Difficult to say without an exam...

Hi there- While your photo is helpful, in order to give you the best advice, I would also want to know how stretchy and loose your tissues are on exam- this is determined by feeling the tissues and so is not possible online... Here are a few points to consider... Mini-tummy tuck is an operation I no longer offer, as the rate of dissatisfaction was unacceptably high for me- I want all of my patients to be as happy as possible, and the problem with this procedure is that, because the muscles... more

Looks like you would be a good candidate for a mini-tummy tuck because you don't have a lot of loose skin.

With a mini-tummy tuck, the incision can be placed very low so that it is completely covered by your bikini. It is difficult to do repair of the abdominal muscles with a mini-tummy tuck but I'm not sure you would need it until your examination.

Mini tummt tuck/ full tummy tuck

Mini tummy tuck is not as extensive operation as a full tummy tuck. In mini tummy tucks there is less dissection and separation of skin flap from the abdominal muscles and seldom muscle repairs are necessary. Belly botton is not released from the abdominal skin and incisions are shorter and does not extend hip to hips. Recovery time is shorter 3-4 weeks for mini in contrast to 4-6 weeks for full abdominoplasties. In a young lady who has high belly botton like yours a combination of... more

Your Picture Suggests You May Benefit From a Full Abdominoplasty

Pregnancy can result in dramatic changes in a women’s body. These changes are especially noticeable in the abdomen, where redundant saggy skin, weakened muscles, and stretch marks may occur. Your pictures suggest that you might benefit from a full abdominoplasty, but without a physical examination by an experienced plastic surgeon, there is no way to know for sure. If your excess skin is located below the level of the umbilicus and your muscle weakness is also at this level, you might... more

Mini Tummy Tuck Vs Full Tummy Tuck Indications

The answer varies depending on the extent of the tummy tuck From the single photo it is hard to tell (side view and sitting pose more helpful) without an exam. Below is a list of the various tummy tuck procedures and who they are best suited for: There are variations of the standard operation, including “mini-tucks”, which may be of benefit to patients who require only tightening of the abdominal muscles or removal of a small amount of skin with a scar at the pubic hairline. On... more

Standard tummy tuck vs. mini tummy tuck

Based on the photo you provided, you would benefit from a standard (full) tummy tuck procedure. A standard tummy tuck involves repair of the rectus muscles, which have beed stretched from pregnancy, and removal of excess loose skin and tissue. A mini tummy tuck would not provide with you with a nice long-lasting result and only involves improving the area below the belly button, which could affect the look of the area above the belly button area causing an unwanted bulge. Make sure to... more

Full tummy tuck versus mini

Judging from your picture, it is my impression that you would be most satisfied with a full tummy tuck. However, I would seek an evaluation by a board certified plastic surgeon to discover if you are a good candidate for this procedure. see video

Otto Joseph Placik, MD

32 reviews

Chicago Plastic Surgeon

Mini Tummy Tuck or Full Tummy Tuck?

An abdominoplasty, or Tummy Tuck, is a procedure which improves sagging skin and loose muscle in the abdomen, both of which are very common after weight loss or pregnancy. A Tummy Tuck will often address the entire tummy, and correct the entire abdominal wall. The recovery is very similar to the Mini Tummy Tuck, and overall results achieved are much more pleasing to the patient. Some patients can benefit from a Mini Tummy Tuck, which addresses an isolated problem of excess skin below the... more

A mini tummy tuck will not help the loose skin around your belly button

You really would benefit from either option--the mini tummy tuck will flatten your lower tummy and tighten the skin. However, I see loose skin above your belly button, stretch marks and after 3 children I would guess that your muscles underneath are also lax. In this case, a full abdominoplasty may give you a better result. Be most concerned with which procedure will give you the best result-that is what will make you happy. If the full abdominoplasty requires a little longer recovery it... more

Full versus mini tummy tuck

Hi, Thanks for submitting the photos - it makes answering your question much easier! You'd get good results from a mini tummy tuck and great results from a full tummy tuck. Your photos reveal muscle laxity (bulging) below the bellow button, as well as some excess skin and stretch marks in the lower abdomen. To make a dramatic difference in the shape of your abdominal wall, the muscle bulging needs to be tightened, regardless of whether you have a mini or a full tummy tuck. With that... more

I would recommend the full tummy tuck

Have a look at the patient 2 minutes into my video. She had a full tummy tuck, and the previous scar will help you understand the results of surgery. Looking at your abdomen, you have a bulge in the lower abdomen consistent with muscle weakness, and a large amount of stretch marks (mostly below the belly button). If you went with a mini tummy tuck, you could tighten the lower abdomen, but your stretch marks would basically stay. A full tummy tuck would get rid of the majority of stretch... more

You will have a better result with a full tummy tuck

If you are looking to have as many stretch marks removed as possible then you should have a full tummy tuck. This will take the healthy skin that is above your belly button and pulls that down while eliminating all if not most of the skin below your belly button. There is a bit longer recovery from full tummy tuck but an extra week healing now will save you years of wishing you had the full tummy tuck in the first place. Hope this helps!

Mini tummy tuck and liposuction combination may be better option

If the main problem is excess skin below the belly-button, then a mini-tummy tuck may do. Most importantly, what are your expectations? Most of the time, I combine a mini-tuck with liposuction of the abdomen (area not to be removed with the mini tummy tuck) and liposuction of the hip-flank area for improved contouring. Best addressed with your plastic surgeon.

"Mini" tummy-tucks may not fully address all abdominal issues

"Mini" abdominoplasty or tummy tuck is a term often used to comfort those who are apprehensive about surgery that their recovery will be less than that of a standard procedure. Often "mini" implies that the entire procedure will not be done - i.e. shorter scar, less surgical dissection, less downtime, etc. as compared to a "standard" procedure. However, a tummy tuck often requires addressing the entire abdomen, from xyphoid process (just below your... more